Pre-Garda Studies
Is this course for you?
Can you see yourself as a member of An Garda Síochána?
Do you want to gain an insight into the real-life challenges faced by the Gardaí?
Are you confident, have a positive attitude, good communication skills and enjoy working with people?
Then an exciting and rewarding career in the Garda Síochána may be for you.
| Award Name | First Aid Response |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | PreHospital Emergency Care Council |
| NFQ Level | |
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Aid Response | PreHospital Emergency Care Council | ||
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
1 year full-time. 5 days per week.
Entry Requirements
• You must have achieved 5 passes or 5 O6/ H7s or a combination of 5 O6/H7s or have achieved the LCA with a Merit profile, or have achieved a full relevant QQI Level 4 Award.
• Mature applicants (aged 21 and over) and other applicants without the formal entry requirements will be assessed individually for suitability.
Careers / Further progression
Job Opportunities
As a graduate of this course, you will be in an advantageous position to successfully apply for entry to the Garda College in Templemore, subject to meeting the relevant qualification criteria.
Progression To Further Studies
If you want to get a degree, then you can apply through the CAO system for entry into courses in the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme such as:
BSc DNA & Forensic Analysis
Technological University Dublin [Tallaght] - www.tudublin.ie
Bachelor of Laws (Hons), LLB
South East Technological University [Carlow] - www.setu.ie
BA (Hons) Criminal Justice Studies
South East Technological University [Waterford] – www.setu.ie
BCL (Law and Criminology)
Maynooth University – www.nuimmaynooth.ie
BA Forensic Investigation & Analysis
Atlantic Technological University [Sligo] – www.atu.ie
BSc in Social Science
University College Dublin – www.ucd.ie
Check out more progression options by downloading the BFEI Progression Pathways Chart at www.bfei.ie/faqs
Further information
Classes will commence in mid-September 2024.
Course Registration takes place in late August.
You will be invited to the College to attend an induction session prior to class commencement.
Non-EU Citizens
If you are a non-EU National, then you should be in compliance with Irish Visa requirements in advance of applying to BFEI.
Application is free! Once you have been offered a place on your chosen course, you will have to pay an acceptance fee of €50 to confirm that you are accepting the place. It is advisable to apply early as many courses fill up quickly. Other costs (books, kits, optional training etc) vary depending on the course you choose. Specific details regarding costs will be confirmed prior to course commencement
At BFEI, we make every effort to keep charges to a minimum. Information on financial support and eligibility for funding is available from www.studentfinance.ie.
Funding
PLC Maintenance Grant Scheme
The Department of Education and Skills (DES) provides a means-tested maintenance grant scheme for those attending full-time further education courses. Applications are made on-line to SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) at www.susi.ie.
BTEA (Back to Education Allowance)
If you are in receipt of certain social welfare payments, ten under the BTEA you may be able to keep your payments while doing a full-time course at BFEI.
See www.welfare.ie or www.studentfinance.ie for further details or ask at the local Department of Social Protection Office.
VTOS (Vocational Training and Opportunities Scheme)
If you are unemployed and over 21, then under VTOS, you will be able to do a full-time course at BFEI and retain your social welfare entitlements. VTOS applies to all courses on offer in the Institute, however, early application is advisable as there are a limited number of places which are allocated on a first-come basis. See www.welfare.ie or www.studentfinance.ie for further details on eligibility or ask at the local Department of Social Protection Office. VTOS Application Forms are available from the Institute - see www.bfei.ie
Other Funding Sources
Local Partnerships including Southside, Bray, Northside, and Wicklow Working Together may be able to help you out with some funding if you are experiencing financial difficulties. Ask at your Local Partnership Office.
For September 2024 Intake BFEI is open for applications from Wednesday January 10th 2024. All applications must be made via our website (www.bfei.ie). - View Application Weblink above.
Application is free! Once you have been offered a place on your chosen course, you will have to pay an acceptance fee of €50 to confirm that you are accepting the place. (non-refundable)
This one year course provides an ideal foundation for those intending to pursue a career as a Garda by focusing on a number of areas that are of vital importance in the training and career of a Garda. You will get an insight into the challenges faced by the Gardaí and will develop an understanding of how to deal with car crashes, court sessions and conflict resolution as well as gain an awareness of the needs of the community and vulnerable members of society. This course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to embark on a successful career in this field.
What will I study?
• Legal Practice and Procedures
• Criminal Law
• Conflict Resolution
• First Aid Responder (FAR) awarded by
(Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council) PHECC
• Exercise and Fitness
• Teamworking
• Work Experience
• Word Processing
• Safety and Health at Work
Optional Training*
• Fire Warden (Fire Safety & Fire Extinguisher Training)
• Breathing Apparatus
• Hazardous Substances
• Manual Handling
*Optional training will incur additional costs.
Will I do anything additional on the course?
• Career advice and help with CV preparation is provided by the Guidance and Career Service.
• Aptitude testing and training on the Garda interview process will be provided.
• You may participate in a range of workshops including Community Gardaí Workshops.
• Guest speakers and Field Trips.
• Additional Training option may be offered: Private Security Authority Ireland (PSA) Security and Guarding Skills.
• You may participate in training for mass casualty incidents in a joint initiative between Dublin Fire Brigade and An Garda Síochána.
• You will be trained in the use of the new LUCAS Chest Compression Device which is used extensively by the Emergency Services.
Assessment is based on a combination of assignments and exams.
5M4468 - Community Health Services.
What qualification will I get when I finish the course?
You will be awarded a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Community Health Services (5M4468).
Blackrock Further Education Institute BFEI
Main Street
Blackrock
Co Dublin
Tel: 01 288 9717
email: office@bfei.ie
Web: www.bfei.ie